Chinese telecoms equipment maker ZTE - whose shares are listed in Hong Kong - fell 11.7% as trading in its shares resumed for the first time since last month.

That was when the US Commerce Department imposed export restrictions on the firm, for allegedly violating US export controls against Iran.

South Korea's Kospi index pared earlier losses to close up 0.1% at 1,973.89.

Samsung shares rose nearly 2% in early trade, after the company said it was expecting a 10% jump in operating profit for the first quarter period. However, Samsung's shares fell back and closed down 1.5%.